'Lack' of energy efficiency awareness among UK landlords

Investing in property, securing the services of a residential lettings agent and finding the ideal landlord insurance policy are all essential tick boxes on the 'how-to' list for getting involved in the lettings game.

Yet despite these key financial considerations, energy efficiency is also important given its relation to bills, tenant satisfaction and the strong appeal that properties aim to boast.

However, while landlords may tend to focus on the monetary and legal aspects of the buy-to-let sector, it seems that many are not keeping a close eye on developments in the world of renewable technology that could have the potential to affect them in the future.

Research carried out by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has found that 51 per cent of Britain's landlords do not know what the government's Green Deal is - and that more than one-third are not aware of the energy efficiency rating of their properties.

"Our research suggests that landlords aren't as clued up as they should be on the energy performance of their properties," said Ian Potter, operations manager at ARLA.

"Making a rental property more energy efficient could mean a big difference for tenants."

Indeed, with the introduction of legislation that would mean all properties would have to adhere to a minimum energy efficiency rating before being put on the lettings market having already been proposed, it seems that landlords may not be properly prepared for future requirements when it comes to legal compliance with energy saving measures.

With energy bills on the rise and a strong emphasis placed on renewable technology, it could be the case that landlords who take steps to introduce carbon friendly measures in their properties will fare better in the future as they adapt to the Green Deal and improve on the energy efficiency of their assets.